08/28/2026
π Champion & Ally for Autism π
In a special edition of Faces of Autism, we are honored to recognize Officer April Michelle Denson as our Champion & Ally for Autism. Although April was not on the autism spectrum, she had a genuine heart for individuals with autism β especially those who were misunderstood or overlooked. She believed everyone deserved kindness, patience, understanding, and dignity.
April retired as a Sergeant from the Birmingham Police Department in January 2025 and began her second career as an Officer with the UAB Police Department in February 2025. Throughout her career, she used her platform to support autism awareness. She even decorated her master's degree graduation cap and sneakers with the autism awareness symbol, proudly shining a light on a cause close to her heart. π
Following her passing at age 45 in August 2025, her family honored her compassionate spirit with a memorial donation to Autism Support of Alabama. April's beautiful legacy of service, advocacy, and love will continue to touch lives for years to come. π¦